EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
“…young people leaving care face a ‘double whammy’, because they experience significant challenge both before and during care, and because their transition to independent adulthood is shorter and less supported than their non-care experienced peers. Schemes like Grandmentors can play a part in helping young people through this transition.” Manchester Metropolitan University, February 2020.
We take for granted the simple things that our parents or grandparents gave us when we were growing up. Their guidance and support provided the basic ingredients to success – confidence, self-esteem and basic life skills. Grandmentors provide these vital elements of support to young people who are care experienced, ensuring they can build brighter futures with more opportunity.
Grandmentors helps young people leaving care by:
- providing practical support to increase opportunities for employability, skills and training, leading to mentees growing in confidence and self-motivation.
- helping young people gain greater autonomy through the development of a trusting and supportive relationship with their mentor, learning skills essential for independent living.
- developing increased self-esteem and wellbeing and by engaging with others in the community. Young people are able to grow their social networks, attending events and activities and expanding their horizons.
A recent report by Manchester Metropolitan University’s Policy and Research Unit following a two-year evaluation showed the impact Grandmentors can make in these young people’s lives.
Further conclusions
The report also stated that:
- The programme is well thought out. The young people taking part are listened to so that their individual needs are discussed with their mentor and positive steps taken to overcome the challenges they face.
- Committed and compassionate staff and volunteers listen to feedback, are constantly looking for how the programme can be adapted to meet the needs of the young people taking part.
- The young people report back the tangible change Grandmentors has made in their lives, and speak positively about the programme.
If you’d like a copy of full report please contact communications@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
View Report